10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Camden, New Jersey
If you live in or around
Camden, New Jersey and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in a great spot. Within about an hour’s drive, you can hit beaches, boardwalks, farms, historic sites, and big-city attractions.
The best part? You don’t even have to plan a big vacation. These are simple
day trips from Camden into nearby counties like Atlantic, Burlington, Gloucester, and over the river into Philadelphia County in Pennsylvania.
Below are 10 fun and easy
out-of-county road trips with ideas for what to do when you get there.
1. Wildwood Boardwalk & Beaches (Atlantic County, NJ)
If you’re craving a classic Jersey Shore vibe, head about 1 hour and 15 minutes south to
Wildwood in Atlantic County.
You’ll find:
- Wide, free beaches with soft sand
- The famous 2-mile boardwalk packed with rides, arcades, and food
- Morey’s Piers amusement rides and water parks
- Endless pizza, funnel cakes, and boardwalk fries
On a recent summer trip, I left Camden around 9 a.m., rolled into Wildwood just after 10:15, and was in my beach chair by 11. I spent the afternoon riding coasters, eating way too much boardwalk food, and still made it back home before dark.
Road trip tip: Bring a light hoodie. It can get breezy in the evening, even in July.
2. Atlantic City Casinos & The Steel Pier (Atlantic County, NJ)
Looking for a livelier scene?
Atlantic City is about an hour from Camden and makes a fun adult-friendly road trip.
You can:
- Walk the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk
- Try your luck at the casinos like Borgata, Hard Rock, or Caesars
- Hop on rides at the Steel Pier
- Enjoy ocean views and people-watching
You don’t have to gamble to have fun here. I often go just to stroll, grab saltwater taffy, and take in the skyline and beach.
Road trip tip: Use a parking garage at one of the casinos. It’s usually just a few dollars and much easier than hunting for street parking.
3. Historic Smithville Village (Atlantic County, NJ)
If you prefer something quieter and more charming, head to
Historic Smithville, just inland from Atlantic City.
Picture:
- A small colonial-style village with cobblestone paths
- Dozens of little shops and boutiques
- Paddle boats on the lake
- Seasonal events and festivals
It’s a great spot if you like browsing local crafts, grabbing coffee, and taking slow walks. It also feels surprisingly calm, even on busy weekends.
Road trip tip: This is a perfect half-day trip from Camden. You can pair it with Atlantic City or the beach for a full day out.
4. Historic Smithville Park & Burlington County’s Nature Trails (Burlington County, NJ)
Don’t confuse this with the village above—this is a
county park in Burlington County, about 35–45 minutes from Camden, near Eastampton.
Here you’ll find:
- Wooded trails perfect for walking, jogging, or biking
- Quiet lakes and rivers with scenic overlooks
- Historic buildings and old mill ruins
- Plenty of spots to sit, relax, and enjoy nature
If you’ve been stuck inside all week, this is a great place to reset. On my last walk there, I saw families picnicking, kids fishing, and a couple taking engagement photos by the water.
Road trip tip: Wear comfy shoes and bring water. Trails are easy, but you’ll want to wander.
5. Mount Holly’s Historic Downtown & Craft Breweries (Burlington County, NJ)
About 30–40 minutes from Camden,
Mount Holly has a small but interesting historic downtown that’s easy to explore in an afternoon.
You can:
- Stroll past 18th- and 19th-century buildings
- Check out local art galleries and small shops
- Try local beer at one of the craft breweries
- Walk along the nearby Rancocas Creek
It’s a relaxed trip, perfect if you want something low-key and close. It feels like a little step back in time without a long drive.
Road trip tip: This is a good choice for a cool fall day when you want to walk around in a light jacket and grab a hot drink.
6. Red Bank Battlefield Park & Delaware River Views (Gloucester County, NJ)
Just across the county line from Camden, about 20–25 minutes away,
Red Bank Battlefield Park in National Park, NJ is a nice mix of history and scenery.
Highlights include:
- Revolutionary War history and old cannons
- Wide-open green space for picnics and playing
- Beautiful views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline
- Paved paths that are easy for strollers and wheelchairs
I’ve gone here just to clear my head after work. Sitting by the river, watching boats pass, it’s hard to believe you’re so close to the city.
Road trip tip: Bring a blanket and a simple picnic. It’s an easy, low-cost afternoon out.
7. Washington Lake Park & Gloucester County Wineries (Gloucester County, NJ)
If you don’t want to go far but still want new scenery, head about 25–35 minutes to
Washington Lake Park in Washington Township.
You’ll find:
- Walking trails and open fields
- Sports courts and playgrounds
- Lakes with ducks and geese
From there, you can add a short drive to one of several
nearby wineries in Gloucester County. Many offer tastings, live music, and outdoor seating (great for couples or groups of friends).
Road trip tip: Plan to hit the park earlier in the day, then relax at a winery later in the afternoon.
8. Philadelphia Museum of Art & “Rocky Steps” (Philadelphia County, PA)
Of course, you can’t talk about
things to do near Camden without crossing the bridge into Philadelphia. One of the easiest and most iconic stops is the
Philadelphia Museum of Art, about 20–25 minutes by car.
What you can do:
- Run (or walk!) up the famous “Rocky Steps”
- Take a photo with the Rocky statue
- Explore world-class art collections inside the museum
- Walk or bike along the Schuylkill River Trail
Even if you’re not an art expert, just being up on that hill, looking out over the city, makes it worth the trip.
Road trip tip: If you don’t want to drive, consider taking PATCO from Camden into Philly, then grabbing a rideshare or bus.
9. Old City, Independence Hall & The Liberty Bell (Philadelphia County, PA)
For a history-filled day trip, head into
Old City Philadelphia, just across the river, about 15–20 minutes from Camden.
Here you can visit:
- Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was adopted)
- The famous Liberty Bell
- Carpenter’s Hall and other historic sites
- Brick-lined streets, cafes, and shops
Walking around Old City almost feels like stepping into a movie set. I like to spend a few hours touring, then grab a cheesesteak or a slice of pizza before heading back over the bridge.
Road trip tip: Many historic sites are free, but some tours require timed tickets. Check online before you go.
10. Philadelphia Zoo & Fairmount Park (Philadelphia County, PA)
If you’re planning a family-friendly
day trip from Camden, the
Philadelphia Zoo is a strong pick, about 20–30 minutes away depending on traffic.
You’ll find:
- Hundreds of animals from around the world
- Kid-friendly exhibits and interactive areas
- Overhead animal trails so animals can walk above you
After the zoo, you can drive or walk into nearby
Fairmount Park for more green space, picnic areas, and river views.
Road trip tip: Go early to beat the crowds and find better parking. Pack snacks and drinks to save money inside the zoo.
Making the Most of Your Camden Road Trips
Living in Camden puts you in the middle of a lot of variety. Within about an hour or less, you can:
- Relax on Jersey Shore beaches
- Explore nature trails and parks in Burlington and Gloucester counties
- Enjoy historic towns and riverfront views
- Dive into big-city attractions in Philadelphia
You don’t need a fancy plan or a huge budget. Pick a spot, pack a small bag, grab some friends or family, and hit the road.
Share Your Favorite Day Trips from Camden
Do you have a favorite
road trip from Camden that I didn’t mention? Maybe a hidden beach, a small-town diner, or a park you love?
- Drop a comment and share your go-to spots.
- If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or on social media so more people can discover fun things to do near Camden, NJ.
Your ideas might inspire someone’s next perfect day out.
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